Cyclassics in Hamburg: Europe's biggest cycle race

Founded in 1996 as a 'Hamburg cycle race for pros and amateurs', Germany's biggest cycling event more than lives up to its name and has become a true classic in the cycling calendar.

It is always an impressive sight to see the seemingly endless stream of 20,000 amateur cyclists sweeping through the streets of Hamburg before heading into the area surrounding the city. A staggering 800,000 spectators fill the city centre, which is a sight in itself. Before the pros gets under way, there is ample opportunity to enjoy the entertainment programme held around the Jungfernstieg promenade and town hall. There is also a small consumer fair with around 80 stalls where visitors can browse, test and purchase all the latest cycling products. Since Jan Ullrich won here in 1997, the race has become a top event in professional circles; the International Cycling Union (UCI) has hailed the Cyclassics as one of the leading one-day cycling races in the world. It is now the only professional race in Germany to be included in the highest category of the UCI World Tour. So it comes as no surprise that the best racing teams in the world regularly appear here – and that alone is a reason not to miss this thrilling event. It's also a great opportunity to experience how friendly the people of Hamburg really are.